No fewer than 45 residents of Ogun State have been arrested and sentenced to community service for indiscriminate waste disposal in parts of Abeokuta, the state capital.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the offenders were apprehended on Thursday by officials of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority in the Panseke, Quarry Road and Kolobo areas for allegedly dumping refuse on roadsides, highways and other public places.

The suspects were subsequently sanctioned for violating the state’s environmental laws.

Addressing the offenders before the commencement of the community service, the Special Adviser to the Governor on OGWAMA, Farook Akintunde, said indiscriminate waste disposal posed serious environmental and public health risks.

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Akintunde noted that the practice defaced the aesthetic beauty of the state capital, contributed to the spread of diseases, especially airborne infections, and polluted underground water sources.

He expressed disappointment that some residents continued to dispose of waste improperly despite repeated public enlightenment campaigns across various media platforms.

The governor’s aide urged residents to patronise government-approved waste collectors operating in their communities.

“Indiscriminate dumping of waste not only defaces the environment, but it also exposes residents to serious health risks through the spread of diseases and contamination of underground water,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that despite several campaigns and sensitisation programmes on proper waste disposal, some residents still engage in this unlawful act.”

Akintunde, however, said the offenders were allowed to undertake community service after pleading for leniency and signing written undertakings not to violate the law again.

He added that the offenders had also enrolled with licensed waste collectors in their respective areas.

The OGWAMA boss warned that anyone arrested again for the same offence would be prosecuted in line with the state’s environmental laws.

He also cautioned other residents against indiscriminate refuse dumping, warning that violators would face legal consequences.

PUNCH Metro had reported in March that about 4,000 persons arrested for dumping refuse on roadsides, drainage channels, medians and other unauthorised locations across Lagos State within one year were prosecuted.

Dayo Oyewo

Dayo is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over nine years of experience covering politics, entertainment, crime, and environmental conservation. His reporting blends advocacy and accountability journalism, focusing on stories that inspire awareness and social change. Dayo’s work reflects practical newsroom experience and a strong commitment to public-interest reporting.

(Punch News)